Ohio State running back Chip Trayanum has transferred to the University of Kentucky. Trayanum entered the transfer portal on December 5th, 2023, after serving as a backup to Ohio State star TreVeyon Henderson for the season. He announced his commitment to Kentucky on December 12th, 2023, after a weekend visit to Lexington.
Why Kentucky?
Trayanum’s decision to transfer to Kentucky was likely influenced by several factors, including:
Opportunity for playing time: With the departure of Chris Rodriguez Jr., Kentucky has a clear need at the running back position. Trayanum will have a chance to compete for the starting job and receive significant carries next season.
Familiarity with the coaching staff: Kentucky head coach Mark Stoops was an assistant coach at Ohio State from 2012 to 2014, and he recruited Trayanum to Ohio State. While Stoops was recruiting Trayanum, he built a strong relationship with him and his family. Trayanum is familiar with his style and his offense, which could have made Kentucky a comfortable place to transfer to.
A chance to play in the SEC: Being able to play against the best teams and the best players in the country in the SEC, was something that appealed to Trayanum.
The chance to be closer to home: Trayanum is from Toledo, Ohio, and Kentucky is closer to his hometown than Ohio State.
What Trayanum brings to Kentucky
Trayanum proved to be a good back who could make an impact with Kentucky next year. With experience playing special teams, he provides versatility, an a ability to break tackles and make cuts at the line to get downfield.
Expectations for Trayanum at Kentucky
Trayanum could become the starting running back at Kentucky which would explain his transger. Being a big part of the Wildcat’s offense would be very attractive to someone in their final two years in college football.
Overall, Chip Trayanum’s transfer to Kentucky is a good fit for both the player and the program. Trayanum has the talent to be a successful running back in the SEC, and Kentucky needs a player to fill the void left by Chris Rodriguez Jr. Trayanum’s familiarity with the coaching staff and the SEC should help him make a smooth transition to his new team.
Some additional details about Trayanum include his size at 5’11”, 210 lbs. Out of high school he was a 4 star recruit. He rushed for 142 yards and 2 touchdowns with the Buckeyes last season. He will have two years of playing time when he arrives in Kentucky.
This transfer is sure to be exciting for Kentucky fans, and it will be interesting to see how Trayanum performs in the SEC next season.